Etched Glass Coasters

What’s your favorite craft technique? Is there something that you just get the itch to do and can’t seem to get enough? For the longest time I loved, adored, doing anything with paper. I would make cards, boxes, banners, flowers, you name it. I still really enjoy that and do it all the time. Although lately most of my paper crafts are for others via Etsy. That’s all fine and good but I’m not enjoying making these paper creations for myself as much as I used to. Maybe that’s because I found a new love….

When I purchased my Silhouette last fall I got the glass etching kit for free. Not something I thought I would really use but hey it was free so why not give it a try. I was hooked from my first project. I’ve got monogrammed pieces all over the place, and have doled out many etched gifts. The Silhouette makes creating a stencil so easy and the cream, when used correctly and safely, works quickly and easily.

Here are a couple of the projects I have created and blogged about.

Etched Glass Mug / Laundry Room Catch All

My latest project is a set of coasters, just for me. I intended to make these as a gift but I really like them! Maybe I’ll keep the idea in mind for another gift down the road but these babies are staying with me.

I purchased 4 square tiles from a Home Improvement store, to the tune of $.82 each. There are lots of colors and sizes available, I would love to try this with an almost clear glass tile but they were sold out the day I went, and I’m kind of impatient.

I also picked up a pack of self adhesive felt pads that you would use on the bottom of furniture. These will prevent scratches on my table.

I created and cut out a stencil using my Silhouette. There are a lot of materials you can use to do this, but I tend to stick with the Silhouette brand products. Once the stencil is cut and weeded (meaning the parts of the stencil I want etched are removed) I applied transfer tape to the top of the stencil. This allows me to pick up with entire piece and place it on my tile without shifting anything.

1) Once on the tile I used my Silhouette scraper to smooth out any bubbles. I really take my time and make sure all the edges are secured. Before placing the stencil make sure the tile is clean.

2) Then I removed the transfer tape and went over the stencil again with my scraper to make sure there are no gaps. The etching cream works fast and I don’t want it to seep under my stencil.

3 & 4) Next I put on gloves (necessary!) and used a plastic knife to spread the etching cream onto the tile.

5) I let the cream sit for about 30 seconds then wiped it off with a paper towel.

Still wearing my gloves I rinsed the tile under water to remove the rest of the cream.

I dried the tile and removed the stencil then rinsed one more time to get any excess cream off the tile. At this point I take my gloves of, you do not want that cream on your skin.

The whole process (after designing the stencil) takes just a few minutes.

I love the subtle look the etching has on a black tile. I am using these outside…wine at sunset and coffee in the morning. The etched image really shows up nicely outside.

So what’s your favorite craft technique? I’ve love to hear about it.

Want to Check Out More Silhouette Projects?

My Silhouette Challenge buddies and I are all sharing projects on our blogs today, so peruse the projects below for a wealth of Silhouette inspiration!